Petunias project in need of support

Due to shrinking budgets and cuts in financial support, the organization that strives to Keep Charlevoix Beautiful is in desperate need of donations.

Since 1982, Keep Charlevoix Beautiful has done just that each spring as they line the streets of Charlevoix with Petunias.

It's an event that draws nearly a thousand volunteers each year to help plant and maintain the flower-lined streets.

But due to budget cuts, the City of Charlevoix was forced to cut just over $20,000 in funding for the project.

That's approximately half of the cost for the Petunia planting each year.

“We thought about skipping the Petunia planting this year in hopes of raising more funds, but after some consideration we decided we had to go forward,” said Bo Boss, co-President of Keep Charlevoix Beautiful, and son of Keep Charlevoix Beautiful founder, Dale Boss.

Boss and fellow co-President, Joe Vogelheim, have both volunteered their time planting the Petunias each year since the organization's conception.

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“We know what we're doing, we have a passion for this,” said Vogelheim. “It's definitely a community event that brings everyone together. I think people would be really upset if it didn't happen.”

But the cuts in funding from the city are forcing those committed to Keep Charlevoix Beautiful to find other ways to keep the project going.

“We're asking that everyone that lives or works along the Petunia planting route to chip in and take care of the flowers in front of their home or business. That means watering and weeding.” explained Vogelheim.

“People don't realize that half of our funding, about $23,000, came from the City of Charlevoix, and the other half is through donations,” added Boss. “The city is all for the project, they just had to make some changes so we're trying to make changes as well to ensure we can continue this great tradition.”

This year's Petunia planting will take place on Thursday, May 20.

“It's just an awesome time,” said Vogelheim. “It's pretty cool that about a thousand people show up, volunteer their time, and plant all those flowers along a 5-mile stretch in about two hours. We needed to keep that tradition going.”

The planting is followed by a picnic for all those who have volunteered.

“The flowers are ordered, we're committed to making it happen,” said Boss.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Keep Charlevoix Beautiful – Petunia Planting. PO Box 1, Charlevoix, MI 49720. You can also make a donation online at www.keepcharlevoixbeautiful.org.